The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has extended a warm congratulatory message to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama following his resounding electoral victory.
In a heartfelt letter signed by its National President, Wepia Awal Adugwala, the PFAG commended the President for earning the trust and mandate of Ghanaians and expressed optimism about the future of Ghana’s agricultural sector under his leadership.
“As farmers, we are optimistic that, together, we can achieve great heights under your leadership. We are encouraged by your understanding of the agricultural sector, evident from your engagements with key stakeholders during your campaign, including the PFAG.
“As a farmer yourself, you are actually aware of the systemic challenges facing farmers across the nation, the reason for poor performance of the sector in recent years”.
Wepia Awal Adugwala, National President, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
The PFAG credited his engagements with stakeholders, including their association, during his campaign as a key factor in shaping his ambitious plans for”agro-economic transformation through a 24-hour economy.
The association expressed confidence in President Mahama’s commitment to implementing these initiatives within his first 120 days in office, describing them as a critical step toward revitalizing the agricultural sector and empowering smallholder farmers.
Key Proposals for Immediate Action
The PFAG urged the President to prioritize three critical areas as he begins to constitute his government: including a proactive agriculture minister, investigation into the stalled Pwalugu multi-purpose dam and commitment to the fight against illegal mining.
Highlighting the details of it demands, the PFAG called for the nomination of a Minister with a strong agricultural background, extensive experience, and the ability to effectively engage stakeholders across the value chain.
The association emphasized the need for a youthful and affable leader who can address the challenges of smallholder farmers and spearhead innovative solutions.
Secondly, the association described the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam as a project with transformative potential to address climate change and boost agricultural GDP by an additional 20% to 30%.
However, they lamented the lack of accountability under the previous regime and urged President Mahama to initiate a thorough audit as part of his “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) agenda.
“Recognizing that an audit of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam is part of your agenda to ensure accountability under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), we urge you to ensure that any illegal funds are recovered and returned to the state. Additionally, we request a budgetary allocation to commence construction of the dam within your first 120 days”.
Wepia Awal Adugwala, National President, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana
Commitment to Combat Illegal Mining
The PFAG emphasized the importance of upholding the Presidential pact against illegal mining, which threatens farmlands, forests, and river bodies.
They called for the immediate prohibition of mining in these areas and the development of a land reclamation plan to restore damaged farmlands.
The PFAG expressed high hopes for an effective, truthful, and inclusive governance style under President Mahama. They reiterated their readiness to collaborate with his administration to ensure the success of smallholder farmers and the agricultural sector at large.
The congratulatory message concluded with best wishes for the President’s tenure and prayers for divine guidance as he assumes office.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana represents the interests of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the nation’s agricultural economy. Their proposals underscore the urgent need for reforms to address systemic inefficiencies and drive sustainable growth in the sector.
READ ALSO: Jinapor as Energy Minister: A Critical Appointment Amid Ghana’s Energy Challenges
